Honda's ASIMO robot gets an upgrade and a new job

Honda's new version of their ASIMO humanoid robot is selling out and going to work for the man. After pulling crossing guard duty and being a general bohemian, ASIMO has been upgraded to handle office work with his new "total control system" that allows him to pull receptionist duty, act as an information guide, or do delivery service. They've also improved his walking abilities, allowing him to walk in sync with someone hand in hand, run in a circle, and reach the crazy speed of 3.7MPH. But if things don't work out for him with these new levels of responsibility, ASIMO can always go back to being a bum, and is now even capable of pushing a cart full of his belongings, allowing him to really embrace the lifestyle we know he was made for.

[Thanks, Bram]

[Seventus @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I saw one of the versions of ASIMO last year during their tour. It was truly amazing to watch it walk up and down stairs, walk backwards, and even the facial recognition among many other things. However, after seeing the androids that Sony and some other companies are designing, I question how well ASIMO will stack up if Honda doesn't make even more features, or consider making an entirely different robot.

[Ivan Kirigin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Have they done anything about his 20-minute battery life?

I suppose his seat, as a receptionist, will just have to be a male power plug.

[Zex_Suik @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

so in other words, they've spent a grip of money producing the same thing that a typical welfare mom pumps out for free every year?

...well except for the fact he doesn't drink and beat the 'ol lady up is an improvement...

[t10 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Umm, no lasers or deathrays of any kind?

Only respecatble robot without the above is a sexbot, and Asimo sure as hell not getting anyone's freak on.

[Unreal McCoy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I don't trust that suspicious gleam in his eyes...

[fnj @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. It seems like we're getting reports of these hugely expensive Japanese robots on a weekly basis. Sure, they're iPod white and all, yet all they seem capable of doing is serving tea to girls from Japanese schoolgirl fetish videos during trade shows in Tokyo.

Until they come with lawn mower or genital attachments, I'm just not interested. Can't the valuable Engadget bandwith be put to better use with more news about Griffin iPod accessories?

[paul @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

I'm sure asimo could mow your lawn or "get your freak on". The point is you have a piece of technology that can physically interact in the same form that most of the human-designed world was created to facilitate... the human form. These humanoid robots have unparalleled potential compared to most other gizmos profiled here on engadget (umm, yeah, another mp3 player, ok).

Now, I would welcome profiling some of those androids "Sony and others" are making that Seventus references.

[X-ian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

where can you buy him...? I want 1..

[tempusmaster @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

In addition to the press release, Honda has some really amazing videos of the new Asimo in action (http://www.robots-dreams.com/2005/12/asimo_in_action.html)along with it doing things like cornering while running, turning in place, interacting with people passing by, etc.

[Jahlil @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

Is it me or is ASIMO angry?!?! He always seems to have his fists clenched like he's ready to brawl!

[imon9 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:31AM]

3.7 MPH??? doesnt MPH=meter per hour??? there must be a mistake here...with that kind of speed, how can it "run" in circle??